For the first time ever, a group of contemporary artist jewellers participated in the widely acclaimed Hermanus Fynarts Festival. Eight jewellers presented their latest creations in an intimate, well-lit space at The Marine Hotel for 10 days in June 2015, drawing much and wide-spread attention to the concept of contemporary jewellery in South Africa.

Staff members of the Visual Arts Department, Stellenbosch University, participated at the annual Woordfees by means of a group exhibition under the title Grafen/Graven, hosted by the Department’s Gallery GUS in Stellenbosch.

The title had many possible interpretations and thus the provided works made for a wonderfully rich and varied exhibition.

As part of the 2015 Stellenbosch University Woordfees, a group of jewellers from the Boland region of the Greater Cape Town area grouped together to showcase their latest jewellery creations under the title Ons Ses (Us Six) at the Lilly Friedlaender Gallery in Stellenbosch.

The work was on show for 10 days and drew many, many local and international visitors – all marvelling at the variety of styles and the high degree of craftsmanship present.

On 5 March 2015 Precious Obsession, a group of talented and enthusiastic South African art jewellers, hosted their second pop-up event in the foyer of Brundyn Gallery, Cape Town. The event co-incided with Cape Town’s famous First Thursdays where access to participating galleries and musea is free of charge on the first Thursday night of every month (http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/).

The pop-up event at Brundyn drew a large crowd of visitors, interacting with the artist jewellers, sipping wine and coffee, enjoying some artisan food and listening to the life band.

Read more on "Us 16 – A short outline of the key ideas behind the ‘Us 16′ body of work" »

Us 16

The body of work around Us 16 centres on the notion of community. Within any community such as a family, circle of friends, or team of any kind, there is usually a common denominator, some shared biology, topography, value, interest, background, experience, aim, skill, context or philosophy which acts as a binding agent between or common denominator for the individuals making up the group. This common denominator frequently influences what type of individual fits into the company, and whilst an individual’s behaviour is either explicitly or subconsciously shaped by the specifics of the group, the individual also influences the fabric of the group as a whole in turn. The dynamic within any community is consequently a complex synergy, shaped by both the bigger unit and the individual.

Despite the bigger web of dynamics, however, each member of a group is still a distinct individual with a specific personality, background, opinion, set of skills, and strengths and weaknesses[1]. This microcosm often influences or even determines the various roles individuals can assume within a group, and it plays a role in the dynamic and nature of one-on-one interactions with other group members, resulting in a wide array of possible intra-personal forces. A group’s diversity and richness, but also its tensions and occasional discord stem (in part) from the basis that group members in the end are relatively autonomous and complex entities.

Bringing these notions into the specific body of work, it becomes apparent that the 16 pieces form a little community which is grounded on various common denominators: all pieces are rings, all have been fly-pressed in terms of their production technique and they are all based on a coherent, singular design approach making use of formal elements such as ovals and widening tubular shapes. Visually the design methodology plays with colour, density, dimensionality and tensions between flowing forms and clean, sharp edges.

Seen as a whole, the collection of rings assumes a strong presence without negating the uniqueness of the individual pieces. Similar to human members within a group, each ring has a different character, determined by strengths and weaknesses, colour, detail and relative boldness. Also like with individuals in any group, there are those which are more accessible and those which cannot be summed up after a first glance; there are those which are highly likable and those of which one is perhaps not quite sure or convinced. Furthermore, each ring strikes up a different interaction with its neighbours, depending on who those are, resulting in a wide range of possible sub-dynamics within the overall collection. Ultimately, however, the collection of rings is bigger than the mere sum of its constituents in isolation, a trait which is arguably the most enigmatic of any group.

[1] Of these elements, personality is arguably the most influential one. One of many approaches to the understanding and classification of personalities was developed by Isabel Myers-Briggs & Katherine Briggs. The Myers-Briggs personality type indicator is founded on Jung’s theory of personality types, seeking to group personalities according to perception (ways of becoming aware of things internal & external) and judgement (ways of reaching conclusions about the gained perceptions). Differentiating between introversion and extraversion, sensing and intuition, thinking and feeling, as well as judging and perceiving, the Myers-Briggs approach differentiates between 16 basic personality types, which ties in neatly with the chosen focus for Us 16 (http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1 – accessed 26 May 2015).

Read more on "Contemporary art jewellery now on show at The Oculus, Cape Town" »

The Oculus, an upmarket eye-wear shop on the corner of Strand and Chiappini Streets, Cape Town is now also showcasing contemporary South African art jewellery as curated by Precious Obsession, a recent collaborative which also staged a pop-up event at Truth Cafe on 20 November.

Quoted from The Oculus Facebook Page:

Here at The Oculus, we believe that contemporary jewellery art is something that needs to be promoted in South Africa since it is such a unique platform. Creating artistic statements within the sphere of ‘jewellery design’ allows for connotations of wealth, rarity, value and also the relationship with the wearer and the body to be used in interesting and experimental ways and also contested with subjective artistic commentary. One could say that specifically South African artists have so much to comment about this country’s different traditions, perceptions of value and the variety of cultures, as well as its rich history in the role of provider of raw materials for the fine jewellery industry and the controversy surrounding it. The Oculus is proud to showcase PRECIOUS OBSESSION. Watch this space…

Three trained artist jewellers from Cape Town teamed together to stage the first ever pop-up event to showcase contemporary South African art jewellery at Truth Cafe in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, on 20 November 2014.

Aiming to build awareness and recognition for this niche genre of art, the Precious Obsession event provided a relaxed and sociable atmosphere for visitors to engage with the 20 selected artists and their work, learning about the various defining aspects of contemporary art jewellery (such as conceptual content, critical commentary on numerous matters and artistic expression).

The evening drew a big crowd and proved enough of a success to merit further renditions in the near future.

Liz Loubser Gallery and Tinsel collaborated in staging a group exhibition of contemporary art jewellery in Risidale, Johannesburg, in November this year. The exhibition with the title 55 Artists / Necklaces showcased 55 unique, hand-made neck-pieces from 55 different art jewellers from around South Africa. All of the pieces were shown for the first time ever.

The opening event on 8 November drew many visitors to the skillfully curated show.

The last iteration of Between the Lines went on show at Liz Loubser Gallery in Risidale, Johannesburg on 23 August 2014. The opening was a lavish event, and the work was well received with lots and lots of positive comments from visitors. Beautifully displayed, the show ended on 5 September.

Fashion photographer Marguerite Oelofse and Berlin-based stylist Julius Forgo teamed together earlier this year for some shooting in Cape Town. Some of my pieces were selected to accompany various shoots, and one image made it into the official release on the Superior Mag online platform in August this year:

Read more on "Group shows 2014: Between the Lines in Windhoek, Namibia" »

The Fine Ounce Collective presented its first international show at the Omba Gallery in Windhoek, Namibia, running from 30 June to 9 July 2014. The venue (a beautifully restored and rustic industrial warehouse) was aptly suited to present the 120 pieces on display – all relating specifically to the theme Between the Lines. The exhibition drew many, many visitors (including the wife of the German ambassador to Namibia) and resulted in quite an interest from various media houses. Two of the Fine Ounce members (Frieda Lühl and Angela Tölken) gave 3 radio interviews between the two of them, one of them an hour long at the German radio station. Newspapers also brought some clippings, and Angela was featured in a longer expose in the German daily newspaper:

Article from Die Republikein, 3 July 2014

Article from Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 4 July 2014

Full page expose on Angela Tölken. Header from the article, Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 18 July 2014

Body text from the expose, Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 18 July 2014

The show in Windhoek has been the most successful Fine Ounce exhibition yet, and it is scheduled to travel to Johannesburg where it will be on display at the Liz Loubser Gallery from 23 August to early September. For the Fine Ounce fans in Gauteng this will be an unique opportunity to view the widely varied, once-off pieces from the 8 members of the collective.

The two recent exhibitions of the Fine Ounce Goldsmiths’ Collective gathered quite some media presence.

The first of the two shows, held at Imbizo Gallery in Durban, constituted a mixed group presentation and Fine Ounce participated with various pieces. The opening was quite an event with a lavish evening, including a fashion show. The show ended on 31 July 2014.

Article from Life and Lifestyle

The second show was a solo show by the Collective at the Omba Gallery in Windhoek, Namibia, running from 30 June to 9 July 2014. The venue (a beautifully restored and rustic industrial warehouse) was aptly suited to present the 120 pieces on display – all relating specifically to the theme Between the Lines. The exhibition drew many, many visitors (including the wife of the German ambassador to Namibia) and resulted in quite an interest from various media houses. Two of the Fine Ounce members (Frieda Lühl and Angela Tölken) gave 3 radio interviews between the two of them, one of them an hour long at the German radio station. Newspapers also brought some clippings, and Angela was featured in a longer expose in the German daily newspaper.

Article from the Afrikaans Daily, Die Republikein, 3 July 2014

Article from German Daily, Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 4 July 2014

Full page expose on Angela Tölken. Header from the article, Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 18 July 2014

Body text from the expose, Die Allgemeine Zeitung, 18 July 2014

The show in Windhoek has been the most successful Fine Ounce exhibition yet, and it is scheduled to travel to Johannesburg where it will be on display at the Liz Loubser Gallery from 23 August to early September. For the Fine Ounce fans in Gauteng this will be an unique opportunity to view the widely varied, once-off pieces from the 8 members of the collective.

Read more on "2013 Beijing International Jewelry Art Exhibition – first international group show for AnGela" »

It was with much excitement that I received the news that I had been invited to participate in the 2013 Beijing International Jewelry Art Exhibition. The show was organized by the Beijing International Design Week Organizing Committee and represented 329 jewellery artist from around the world.

The exhibition was staged in the Chinese Millenium Monument, Beijing, was officially opened on the 24th of September 2013 and ran until 12 October. Each participant received a complimentary 240 page, full colour exhibition catalogue.

Read more on "2013 Beijing International Jewelry Art Exhibition – first international group show" »

In August 2013 I received news that some of my recent pieces were invited to the 2013 Beijing International Jewelry Art Exhibition. The show, which constitutes my first international group show, was organized by the Beijing International Design Week Organizing Committee and represented 329 jewellery artist from around the world, of which 2 came from South Africa.

The exhibition was staged in the Chinese Millenium Monument, Beijing, was officially opened on the 24th of September 2013 and ran until 12 October. Each participant received a complimentary 240 page, full colour exhibition catalogue.

The Fine Ounce Goldsmiths’ Collective hosted its first 2013/14 show under the theme “Between the Lines” at the Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town. The exhibition was opened to much acclaim by John Skotnes on the 3rd of October 2013, and remained open for two weeks.

As is characteristic for the Collective, the work on display was of a high standard and reflected the widely diverging personalities and approaches of the 8 members of the Collective.

The show will travel to Durban, Windhoek (Namibia) and Johannesburg in 2014.

The concept was carried through into the actual display with wooden frames suspended in a grid-like fashion. (c) Mathias Tölken 2013

Read more on "Fine Ounce Goldsmiths’ Collective prepares for new exhibition series" »

Building on the success of the previous two exhibition series, the Fine Ounce Collective is currently hard at work to prepare for the 2013/14 season. The new theme ‘Between the Lines’ leaves ample room for personal interpretation and presents some interesting display opportunities.

The series of travelling exhibitions is still to be finalized, but locations confirmed at present are the Gold of Africa Museum and Kalk Bay Modern in Cape Town, and Liz Loubser Gallery in Johannesburg. The collective is also negotiating with venues in Durban, Windhoek and Franschhoek.

Read more on "Big milestone achieved – portfolio published on Klimt 02" »

In June this year I reached a major milestone in terms of having my art jewellery represented on an international platform: Klimt 02. Klimt 02 is a Barcelona-based gallery and the leading international forum for art jewellers, galleries dedicated to art jewellery and schools specializing in art jewellery. The content on Klimt 02 is professionally edited and represents an accurate snap shot of the international scene at any given moment.

The listing on Klimt 02 already resulted in invitations to two exhibitions, one in London and one in Beijing. The latter has been accepted by me and I am currently arranging the necessary logistics.

On 21 May 2013 Hennie Meyer, accomplished South African pottery artist, opened the last leg of the Breath of Fire exhibition series at the Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery in Durbanville.

The show revealed the maturity of the approach and work of the Fine Ounce Goldsmiths’ Collective in its precision, simplicity and effectiveness. As with the preceding exhibitions the (new) work on display was well received by a wide audience.

To celebrate its second anniversary, the Fine Ounce Goldsmiths Collective launched its 2012/2013 exhibition series under the theme of “Breath of Fire”. The first show was held at the studio 30 on Roodebloem in Woodstock, where it ran very successfully for two weeks.

The work on show was hand-crafted by all 8 participating jewellers, and displayed a wide variety of styles, materials and interpretations whilst simultaneously forming a coherent and stimulating whole.

The latest additions to my current body of work were presented in the form of a fourth solo exhibition entitled Self – reflection, representation, expansion, at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery of the Durbanville Cultural Society from 7 February to 1 March 2012.